What role did Germans play in the American Revolution—and how might their stories intersect with your own family history? In this lecture, Senior Genealogist Hallie Kirchner will explore the complex experiences of German-speaking people on both sides of the conflict: from the so-called “Hessians” hired by the British to the many German immigrants who supported the Patriot cause. Along the way, we’ll examine how to identify German origins in colonial records, trace Hessian soldiers who remained in North America, and better understand the cultural and political forces that shaped their decisions. Whether your ancestors fought for independence, arrived as soldiers in foreign service, or lived in German-American communities during the Revolutionary era, this lecture will provide valuable historical context and practical strategies for discovering their stories.
Registration in this program includes access to a 60-minute live broadcast, recording, and other materials for the foreseeable future.
Join the Live Broadcast
Click here to join the live broadcast: https://zoom.us/j/95924724614
Saturday, May 16 2:00 pm ET
If you are unable to attend the live session, you will be able to access a recording on this page.
Lecture Materials
To come.
About the Speaker
Hallie Kirchner is a genealogist in the Research Services department. She is part of the team that performs research-for-hire for patrons. In addition to working with patrons to answer their family history questions, Hallie also helps with the Ask-A-Genealogist chat service and has worked on a variety of educational programs during her time at American Ancestors. Her areas of expertise include 19th-century America, Germany, and immigration. Prior to joining American Ancestors, she was part of the research team for the New York Family History Research Guide and Gazetteer. Hallie holds degrees in history and historic preservation. Areas of Expertise: 19th-century America, Germany, New York, New York City, Norway, Italy, westward migration, immigration history, and descendancy research.
Other Resources
Research Guide: Irish Genealogy
Archived webinar: Friend or Foe: Researching Colonial Ancestors During the American Revolution
American Ancestors magazine article: Finding Revolutionary War Patriots in Your Family Tree
American Ancestors magazine article: Strategies for Tracing Revolutionary War Veterans
Archived webinar: Applying to Revolutionary War Lineage Societies